He had ended by succeeding in “unearthing”—­such was his expression—­the High Court.  He penetrated as far as the Council Chamber of the Civil Chamber; at that moment he had still no other escort than the few police agents of the morning.  A boy was passing by.  The Commissary asked him the whereabouts of the High Court.  “The High Court?” answered the boy; “what is that?” Nevertheless the boy told the Librarian, who came up.  A few words were exchanged between M. Denevers and the Commissary.

“What are you asking for?”

“The High Court.”

“Who are you?”

“I want the high Court.”

“It is in session.”

“Where is it sitting?”

“Here.”

And the Librarian pointed to the door.

“Very well,” said the Commissary.

He did not add another word, and returned into the Merciere Gallery.

We have just said that he was only accompanied at that time by a few police agents.

The High Court was, in truth, in session.  The President was relating to the judges his visit to the Procureur General.  Suddenly a tumultuous sound of footsteps is heard in the lobby which leads from the Council Chamber to the room where they were deliberating.  The door opens abruptly.  Bayonets appear, and in the midst of the bayonets a man in a buttoned-up overcoat, with a tricolored sash upon his coat.

The magistrates stare, stupefied.

“Gentlemen,” said the man, “dissolve your meeting immediately.”

President Hardouin rises.

“What does this mean?  Who are you?  Are you aware to whom you are speaking?”

“I am aware.  You are the High Court, and I am the Commissary of the Police.”

“Well, then?”

“Be off.”

There were there thirty-five municipal guards, commanded by a lieutenant, and with a drum at their head.

“But——­” said the President.

The Commissary interrupted him with these words, which are literally given,—­

“Mr. President, I am not going to enter upon an oratorical combat with you.  I have my orders, and I transmit them to you.  Obey.”

“Whom?”

“The Prefect of Police.”

The President asked this strange question, which implied the acceptance of an order,—­

“Have you a warrant?”

The Commissary answered,—­

“Yes.”

And he handed a paper to the President.

The judges turned pale.

The President unfolded the paper; M. Cauchy put his head over M. Hardouin’s shoulder.  The President read but,—­

“You are ordered to dissolve the High Court, and, in case of refusal, to arrest MM.  Beranger, Rocher, De Boissieux, Pataille, and Hello.”

And, turning towards the judges, the President added,—­

“Signed, Maupas.”

Then, addressing himself to the Commissary, he resumed,—­

“There is some mistake, these are not our names.  MM.  Beranger, Rocher, and De Boissieux have served their time and are no longer judges of the High Court; as for M. Hello, he is dead.”